A non-governmental organisation, Hon. Okey Joe Foundation, has empowered hundreds of women across the Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency with economic aid, business tools and financial training.

The event, held at Purple Hall, Okota, Lagos, in collaboration with Voice of Hope, focused on lifting vulnerable women out of poverty through practical skills, start-up capital and business mentorship under the theme, “Empowering Women to Lead, Build, and Prosper.”

Speaking at the event, Convener and Executive Director of both foundations, Mrs Uchenna Ofomata, said the initiative was designed to help women recognise their untapped potential and build sustainable livelihoods.

“We found that most women don’t really know the giant in them because they don’t believe in themselves. Today’s programme was to make women really know that they can become better versions of themselves, while empowering those who have completed skill training,” Ofomata said.

As part of the initiative, HOJ Foundation partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to sponsor 11 women through intensive six- to nine-month programmes at the Ejigbo
Skill Acquisition Centre. The trainees, who specialised in computer literacy, catering and creative arts, exhibited handcrafted goods produced during their coursework.

To support immediate enterprise start-ups, the foundations presented sewing machines to fashion graduates and donated industrial grinding machines to local market women to boost their daily operations.

Beneficiaries also received direct cash grants, alongside household food items provided by corporate sponsor Onga.

The member representing Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, reiterated his conviction that investing in women drives broader community development.

Onuakalusi noted that the initiative, funded through a blend of legislative budgetary allocations and personal commitments, is part of a broader ongoing effort over the past three years that includes training in fish farming, soap making and IT, alongside constituency infrastructure projects such as road repairs, solar lighting and borehole installations.

Delivering a keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of Life Changing Sales Academy, Toyin Akan, urged attendees to remain resilient despite current macroeconomic headwinds, specifically advising small business owners to use accessible digital channels.

Additional speaker sessions featured financial adviser Ogundimu Olusola Raphael, who outlined operational strategies for budgeting, reinvesting profits and managing multiple income streams, along with mentorship talks from Chief Chinyere Okpe and Mrs Nneka Ezeani.

The event concluded with product showcases by programme graduates and the distribution of equipment and start-up funds.